Update (6:25 PM): Helene St. James has a “revealing” quote from Zetterberg:
“I think you don’t want to miss 19 games,” he said, meaning better to miss an All-Star Game than risk aggravating anything. “That’s my main concern. I don’t want to let it go that far. I just have to do the things we do to not make that happen. I don’t right now what that is, but we just have to stay on top of it.”
Like I said below, it’d probably be better for the Wings if he sat out once more. Maybe the League can put Tomas Holmstrom in the lineup in his place! - Matt
According to Ansar Khan, Henrik Zetterberg missed practice today due back trouble. Apparently, the problem began after Hank took a hit from an unspecified Shark late in the game Saturday night.
Although the issue is not as serious as that which kept him out of five games in December, he is listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game in LA and may not go to the All Star Game after all. Zetterberg was named to the Game last year, but chose to opt out due to tendonitis in his wrist. In light of this current flare up with his back, it would probably be better for the team in the long run if he chose to opt out again.
The fact that this was brought on by a hit further strengthens the argument for keeping Aaron Downey in the lineup. Hank will always have to deal with physical defensemen, but having a guy like Downey on the bench may serve as a deterrent to particularly harsh treatment.